Wright House Available to Right Person, But Not for Long

PORTLAND-The Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy has issued a request for proposals to move and restore the only house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in Oregon, and the deadline for submittals is tomorrow. The conservancy estimates moving the house will run $300,000, and restoring it will cost about the same. On top of that, the conservancy is asking for $100,000 to cover its expenses related to overseeing the effort.

The house was designed in 1957 for Conrad and Evelyn Gordon on 22-acres between Charbonneau and the Willamette River. David and Carey Smith, who recently purchased the land, had planned to demolish the house before public helped them choose to donate it to the conservancy as long as it was off their property by March 15.

Potential buyers will have to adhere to the conservancy’s strict rules for restoration and ongoing protection. Proposals are being judged on the professional qualifications of the restoration team, the appropriateness of the proposed sites and, of course, how much of a kickback is paid to the conservancy.